Beachy polka dots dress

13/09/2013 12:30 pm \ 78 Comments \


So, we had some purr-fectly dee-lightful weather last Monday, allowing me to wear, and take some piccies of, my dress. The product of my giant beachy polka dots fabric, screen-printed by moi.  Um, I’m completely satisfied with how it turned out.  And I can think of nothing further to add.  Not like me, I know  ðŸ˜‰

OK, just a few things.  
I used the pattern for dress F from the Stylish Dress Book by Yushiko Tsukiori, chosen because I wanted an almost featureless tunic dress, with no darts and minimal shaping to interfere with my print, but still had a certain je ne sais quoi.  This design, with a short neckline split and two piece open sleeves with a discreet but pretty little ribbon to tie them closed, was exactly what I wanted.  I cut out all the pieces before printing and sized my print to fit the pieces.

A stylistically simple design, like my stylistically simple print.  I added the obligatory-to-me pockets, ahem; deep inseam ones.  These are cut from the same sand-coloured cotton/linen fabric as the dress, but unprinted obviously.  The same goes for the bias-cut sleeve ties, and bias neckline finish and the neck facing.  There are advantages to printing your own; you can leave it off all the “invisible” bits of your dress, and that is a vast improvement… nothing to show through!

It’s been a thoroughly satisfying project in that the result truly matches my vision.  I’m going to really enjoy wearing it.  
The creativity demon inside has been sated… for now  ðŸ™‚
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78 Thoughts on “Beachy polka dots dress”

  1. Summer Flies on 13/09/2013 at 12:51 pm said:

    I really like this. I love the sleeves and the simplicity of it for setting the printing off. Lovely as usual. Perfect for the beach!

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  2. Florencia on 13/09/2013 at 12:52 pm said:

    Someone is getting ready for spring… I love you polka dots dress, you chose a beautiful color combination for the print. The dress looks super comfy and I also love your pockets.

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  3. Carolyn (cmarie12) on 13/09/2013 at 12:53 pm said:

    This is sooooooo kewl! I love that you made your own fabric and then got the dress you desired. Wonderful!

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  4. mokosha on 13/09/2013 at 12:54 pm said:

    super cute.. and i love the colors you choose..

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  5. EmSewCrazy on 13/09/2013 at 1:04 pm said:

    LOVE LOVE LOVE it! This is such a great garment and it displays your fabric print to a tee. Wonderful job.

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  6. Reethi on 13/09/2013 at 2:02 pm said:

    I love the sleeves, that's a great look!

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  8. Fru Purjo on 13/09/2013 at 2:23 pm said:

    I love your polka dot dress, wonderful and so useful!

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  9. SEWN on 13/09/2013 at 2:28 pm said:

    OMG, I die. So darn awesome. Love it! I didn't see any pocket pattern pieces. Did you do welt pockets?

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  10. Shelley on 13/09/2013 at 2:40 pm said:

    I agree about the pockets – where else would I keep my hankie and my lipstick? This was when I was at work, now it's more likely my house key, but whatever, I need pockets! I love the design of the sleeves as well. The polka dot print just looks perfect on this pattern, it's a perfect match! I can see why you're feeling satisfied; you should!

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  11. lisa g. on 13/09/2013 at 2:42 pm said:

    this is so great! i love the big beachy polka dots! your print works perfectly with the simple silhouette, love it!

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  12. Philippa on 13/09/2013 at 2:53 pm said:

    It's lovely. I'm so pleased your dress matched your vision. Isn't it great when it all works out!

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  13. Mary Danielson on 13/09/2013 at 3:10 pm said:

    I absolutely love it! It's the perfect beachy, polka dot dress. That fabric is to die for! Well done.

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  14. LolaJoo on 13/09/2013 at 3:31 pm said:

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE that dress forever.

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  15. thewallinna.com on 13/09/2013 at 3:37 pm said:

    The photo-shoot setting added extra special something to this dress! Beautiful!

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  16. Jo on 13/09/2013 at 3:42 pm said:

    I think that is fantastic, fun and I love the way it is shapeless but shapely?? If that makes sense. Mind you feet on those prickles. Jo x

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  17. JuliN on 13/09/2013 at 4:09 pm said:

    This is so so cute! I've enjoyed reading about your screen printing adventures.

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  18. JuliN on 13/09/2013 at 4:09 pm said:

    This is so so cute! I've enjoyed reading about your screen printing adventures.

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  19. Stephanie on 13/09/2013 at 4:26 pm said:

    I love your screen printing projects and the gorgeous photographs. The dress is beautiful. I especially love the unexpected split sleeves.

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  20. Amy on 13/09/2013 at 5:06 pm said:

    You always create such unique and wonderful garments from these books. I like the screen printing kick you're on right now. I used to screen print when I had access to a shop in graduate school, but I haven't picked it up since. I miss it!

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  21. abailey on 13/09/2013 at 5:45 pm said:

    I love this dress! So cute. This is one of my favorites so far. The sleeves are my absolute favorite. I have a couple of these books. Cannot remember if this is one of them. I sure hope so after seeing this dress 😉

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  22. blacklabelblog on 13/09/2013 at 5:48 pm said:

    love it…SOOOO cute!

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  24. Sue @ A Colourful Canvas on 13/09/2013 at 6:30 pm said:

    Ever so beautifully made, from concept to final photography! I have that very book sitting on my coffee table. I have it on loan from the library, along with several other Japanese pattern books. You are inspiring me to give one of the patterns a go! Well done!

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  25. Shirley Ann on 13/09/2013 at 6:44 pm said:

    WOW!!! This is fantastic in every way! I'm thinking I need this pattern book.

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  26. Alessa on 13/09/2013 at 6:48 pm said:

    Wow! The polka dots really are giant, but so pretty! I love the sleeves of the dress.

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  27. Beth (SunnyGal Studio) on 13/09/2013 at 6:50 pm said:

    fabulous, and a beach dress what a great choice. Also looks like you matched the dark green dot on the side seams, you clever thing 🙂

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  28. Angela on 13/09/2013 at 7:33 pm said:

    Love the fabric and the dress — TRULY, one of a kind:)

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  29. themateriallady on 13/09/2013 at 7:47 pm said:

    Wonderful dress. The print really suits the design – kudos to you!
    (Where is Sienna?)

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  30. the craftytraveller on 13/09/2013 at 8:59 pm said:

    This suits you so well. The sleeves really knock it out of the park – great feature!

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  31. ornitorenkhandmade on 13/09/2013 at 9:34 pm said:

    I love it, so beautiful

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  32. Marie on 13/09/2013 at 9:54 pm said:

    It looks great Carolyn. The dress shows off your print perfectly.

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  33. Kirsty on 13/09/2013 at 9:54 pm said:

    I love this ! Great print and the pattern of the dress (esp those sleeves) is perfect. Spring is definitely in the air.

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  34. Jane on 13/09/2013 at 10:16 pm said:

    Rather reminds me of a dress I made last spring out of furnishing fabric. But yours is a million times lovelier. http://janessewandtell.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/shift-dress-toile/

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  35. Sarah on 13/09/2013 at 11:33 pm said:

    Gorgeous! I love all the polka dotty goodness 🙂

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  36. Sharon on 14/09/2013 at 12:33 am said:

    Perfect summery beach dress, love its simplicity and style.

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  37. Lucy Legget on 14/09/2013 at 1:40 am said:

    That's lovely. I really like the sleeves (and the print of course). Must revisit my stylish dress book.

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  38. Faye Lewis on 14/09/2013 at 1:54 am said:

    Sooooo cute. Love those giant polka dots.

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  39. Mary on 14/09/2013 at 3:03 am said:

    A perfect dress! I am so impressed. And your photography is equally stunning.

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  40. Jacinta on 14/09/2013 at 3:23 am said:

    I love how the sleeves are! 🙂

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  41. Jacinta on 14/09/2013 at 3:23 am said:

    I love how the sleeves are! 🙂

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  42. opportunityknits on 14/09/2013 at 4:59 am said:

    I have been eyeing this dress pattern for some time and have been wondering about a grown up version of it. I LURVE your version! Makes me feel hopeful that I can wear this dress too even though I'm probably 3 times the age of the girl modelling the dress in the book!

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  43. Hana on 14/09/2013 at 5:46 am said:

    Love your dress in every details! It's just beautiful!

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  44. Donna Hensley on 14/09/2013 at 7:25 am said:

    Perfect sundress!

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  45. Vicki on 14/09/2013 at 8:29 am said:

    Wow, you are really coming along with this printing. Great dress.

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  46. Coco on 14/09/2013 at 10:52 am said:

    Wonderful, Carolyn. The dress you chose is perfect for your print. So pretty.

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  47. BuxSen on 14/09/2013 at 1:09 pm said:

    Very nice! Especially the pockets!

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  48. fadanista.com on 14/09/2013 at 1:48 pm said:

    Wonderful! The sleeves are lovely, but the print is what makes this dress special and unique.

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  49. rosyragpatch on 14/09/2013 at 1:59 pm said:

    Lovely! Great sleeve detail.

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  50. Charmel on 14/09/2013 at 7:23 pm said:

    What a fabulous dress! You are inspiring.

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  51. Tia Dia on 14/09/2013 at 11:30 pm said:

    Love the polkadots – and in such colours! It's so pretty to look at!

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  52. yoshimi on 15/09/2013 at 12:14 am said:

    Love your dress! I love the sleeves, especially. Those slits give a special touch, pretty!

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  53. Jane M on 15/09/2013 at 1:53 am said:

    I am in love with that sleeve detail and so impressed with your own custom fabric as well. Just a delight to see this one take shape.

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  54. Gail on 15/09/2013 at 7:27 am said:

    I am totally wrapt in the sleeves. I want to make some just like that, so hope you don't mind.

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  55. Stephanie on 15/09/2013 at 11:41 am said:

    This a a-b-s-o-u-t-e-l-y adorable. The print is great! The dress is great. Love it!

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  56. Merche Martinez on 15/09/2013 at 5:54 pm said:

    I, just like Gail, love those sleeves so much! The dress is a perfect shape to show your print in all its glory. Another lovely proyect Carolyn. Always an inspiration to all of us!

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  57. Rosy on 15/09/2013 at 8:34 pm said:

    Oh, Carolyn! You are always so inspiring! Love this fantastic idea it was funny, original and different. Love the result!

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  58. Masustak eguzkitan on 16/09/2013 at 9:04 am said:

    soooo cute! The bib detail is very nice and sleeves are very well finished!

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  59. Amanda on 16/09/2013 at 11:31 am said:

    Simply. Fierce.
    Epic as always, Carolyn!

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  60. Kelly on 16/09/2013 at 4:39 pm said:

    Fantastic! Your color sense can't be improved upon, and you chose the perfect pattern.

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  61. becki-c on 17/09/2013 at 2:15 am said:

    absolutely love those sleeves!
    The colors and dots are amazing too, very spring.

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  62. Terri on 17/09/2013 at 4:47 am said:

    Simply perfect!

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  63. elenaknits on 17/09/2013 at 7:58 am said:

    This is beautiful dress, and I see the point in printing your fabric. Nice!

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  64. Printingtextil Natasha on 23/09/2013 at 11:46 am said:

    Fantastic fabric & dress! I want that book! Offcourse, I love your blog!

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  65. Jennifer @ Workroom Social on 01/10/2013 at 1:31 am said:

    I really like the sleeves on this one. I have that book too but haven't made anything from it yet. I should try one soon!

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  66. camalamalama on 01/10/2013 at 12:00 pm said:

    It's simple dress and a simple pattern, and together they make something so interesting and sophisticated. It looks especially lovely on a beach. Love it, Carolyn!

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  67. Rosi on 03/11/2013 at 9:46 am said:

    Love this dress Carolyn! The fabric, the colours, the spots. Gorgeous.

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  68. Sue Parrott on 15/02/2015 at 4:25 pm said:

    Carolyn, I love this! I love the simplicity of the dress and thank you for showing the back and how it fits!

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